6.28 Montana Requirements
Key Takeaways
- Montana cosmetology candidates should confirm training hours, age, education, exam, fee, renewal, and continuing education rules before applying.
- Montana requirements are a state-specific supplement to the broader NIC theory, sanitation, hair, skin, and nail service content.
- Application approval, exam scheduling, and license issuance are separate steps, so candidates should keep board documentation organized.
- Reciprocity or endorsement rules can differ from first-time licensing and may require proof of education, exams, or license history.
- Fees, forms, and board procedures can change, so candidates should verify current instructions with the Montana licensing board before scheduling.
Montana Cosmetology License Requirements
Montana requires 2,000 training hours and uses NIC examinations.
At a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Training Hours | 2,000 school hours |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Exam Type | NIC Written and Practical |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Fee | Approximately $100-150 |
| License Fee | $118 |
| Renewal | Every 2 years (December 31, even years) |
| CE Required | No |
High Hour Requirement
Montana's 2,000-hour requirement is among the highest in the nation.
Reciprocity
Montana requires for reciprocity:
- Current license in another jurisdiction
- License issued based on written and practical examination
- Completion of a cosmetology course of at least 2,100 hours
Note: Montana requires evidence of 2,100 hours for reciprocity, even though its own requirement is 2,000 hours.
State Board Contact
Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
- Website: boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/barbers-and-cosmetologists
- Phone: (406) 841-2384
Exam Focus
For Montana, study the licensing checklist as a sequence: eligibility, training hours, board application, exam approval, theory testing, practical testing when required, initial license issuance, and renewal. Do not memorize the table as isolated facts. State board questions often ask what a candidate must complete before scheduling, which agency handles approval, whether NIC or a state-specific exam is used, and how reciprocity or endorsement differs from a first-time license. Pair this page with the sanitation, infection control, hair care, skin care, and nail care chapters so you can connect state rules to the national service standards.